Protocol for developing a melanoma brain metastasis mouse model for preclinical drug testing and brain tumor progression monitoring

We present a protocol to generate a murine model of established melanoma brain metastases by intracranially injecting tumor cells into newborn "glowing head" C57BL/6 syngeneic mice, which are tolerized to both GFP and luciferase. First, we describe steps for cell and animal preparation. We then detail the utilization of bioluminescent imaging to monitor brain tumor progression. This model enables the evaluation of therapeutic efficacy against established melanoma brain metastases. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Almazan et al.¹.